City considers plastic straw ban

The Christchurch City Council is considering banning plastic straws, because of their impact on the environment.

Popular alternative options to plastic straws include paper, metal and pasta.

City councillor Vicki Buck said a ban would be be good for the health of the environment.

"I think we can do it, and I think many residents want to see it happen for the health of our environment," said Vicki Buck.

But Christchurch isn't the only place trying to get rid of the plastic straw, Wellington City Council also supported a new initiative to stop the use of single-use plastic straws along the city’s waterfront.

Shay Lawrence, the founder of sustainable straw manufacturer CaliWood, said banning plastic straws was a "gateway for getting rid of single use plastics".